Sadao Watanabe
IN THIS SHOW
IMAGE GALLERY
CALENDAR
Witness to Faith:
The Biblical Art of Sadao Watanabe
Japan’s foremost Christian artist, Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996) converted from Buddhism to Christianity at 17 years old. He soon combined his new faith with an interest in preserving the traditional Japanese folk art of stencil dying, or katazome, by creating colorful representation of biblical scenes that he hoped would speak to his people. He said, ‘My task is to stand within the artistic tradition of Japan…Theology will not take deep root in Japanese soil if it is merely an import.”
Within the framework of his Christian faith he was able to translate the biblical narratives into Japanese settings, thereby giving them broad resonance. Each hand cut print has been created using a complicated traditional stencil art form formally used for dying kimonos. He clothed all the biblical characters in the Japanese dress of kimonos. Noah’s Ark looks like a Japanese cricket cage filled with a menagerie of animals. He depicted the Last Supper with a spread of fish and sake, and the Wedding at Cana with a declawed lobster—all familiar traditional foods of his people.
Watanabe was less concerned with representing visual reality than with finding ways to communicate his Christian beliefs to other Japanese. The result is a body of art that is an expression of deep faith as well as a valuable contribution to the history of Christian art. His prints are part of many international collections including the Vatican Museum, National Galleries in Washington, DC and London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.
Watanabe’s fame notwithstanding, the artist’s chief desire was to create art that could be enjoyed by common people and displayed in ordinary settings. Witness to Faith hopes to help fulfill his wishes by offering for view some of his original momigami (wrinkled paper) and washi (Japanese paper) prints, calendars that have been printed since the early 1970s, and stencil Christmas cards he made for friends. May these be a true Witness to Faith.
The exhibition's artwork includes
I owe my life to Christ and the gospel. My way of expressing my gratitude is to witness to my faith through the medium of biblical scenes.
This show contains:
Cost of rental is $800 per month (plus shipping). There is a two-month minimum. With the rental of two months the third month is free.
Bowden Collections offers a variety of traveling exhibitions available to museums, churches, colleges and seminaries: several feature the work of important historical artists such as Georges Rouault, Marc Chagall, Ottos Dix and Alfred Manessier; others explore topics related to the Bible. A packet containing everything needed to mount the exhibition with files for labels, itemized lists, a brochure or flyer in PDF format, high-resolution digital files of art in the exhibition, and shipping information is provided. Venues are responsible for the rental fee and shipping, usually to the following venue.
New Testament
Old Testament
New Testament
Calendars and Christmas Cards
Jacob’s Well
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1972
Jonah
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1979
The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us? Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1: 11 – 12
Jonah looks upwards, faced by two determined men. The whale lies in the waters awaiting Jonah’s fate.
Moses Abandoned
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1979
But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Exodus 2: 3-7
Moses’ mother bids farewell to her newborn son whom she has placed in a reed basket along the Nile amongst the reeds as a way to camouflage and protect him. 2
Noah’s Ark
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1990
On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings. Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark. The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord shut him in.
Genesis 7:13–16
4 - 4
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Annunciation
Hand colored kappazuri stencil print on momigami wrinkled paper
1972
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1: 28-29
Annunciation
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1990
…In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1: 26 -31
Nativity
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1972
Nativity
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1982
Madonna and Child
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1984
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary. Matthew 2: 11
Mary firmly hold the baby Jesus close to her. Her expression is pensive and her protecting gesture adds to the impression that she appears to sense the future to come.
Shepherds Visit the Christ Child
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
Shepherds in the Field
Stencil print
Presentation
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1982
Mary and Joseph come to the temple for the presentation of their child. Jospeh holds two turtledoves as an offering and Simon holds the baby, the moment he has awaited all his life as he says “My eyes have seen your salvation.”
Adoration of the Magi
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
Three magi, each holding their gift, bow humbly in worship before the Christ child who stretches out his arm to greet them. Mary is wide eyed and stunned at what is happening.
Three Wise Men in a Boat
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1972
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2:12
Watanabe was asked one time why he chose to depict the Three Kings paddling for home in a boat. He had a wry answer no biblical scholar could dispute. As Watanabe pointed out, the text in Matthew 2:12 clearly stated that after being warned in a dream not to return to King Herod, the Three Kings “departed into their own country another way.” If they had come by land, why not return by sea?
Flight to Egypt
Hand colored kappazuri stencil print on momigami wrinkled paper
1967
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2: 13
Three Fishermen
Hand colored kappazuri stencil print on momigami wrinkled paper
Boat in a Storm
Hand colored kappazuri stencil print on momigami wrinkled paper
1973
Christ in Boat
Stencil print on handmade washi paper
1985
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Matthew 8: 24,25
Miraculous Draught of Fish
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1967
He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. Luke 5: 4-7
Woman at the Well
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1975
Jesus’ long pointing finger suggests authoritative words as he speaks to the Woman of Samaria. She seems to bow her head in prayerful remorse
Good Shepherd
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1975
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Luke 10: 11
Jesus bends over very so gently to caress the lost sheep that has been found.
Healing the Blind
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1975
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ….. he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
Christ stretches out a long finger to touch the blind man’s eye: he bends forward, raising one hand toward heaven as a bird looks on. The scene is imbued with expectant tension expressed in every pose, gesture and design.
Entry into Jerusalem
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1979
When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. Mark 11: 7-11
Last Supper
Hand colored kappazuri stencil print on momigami wrinkled paper
1966
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26: 26-29
Last Supper
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1975
From the Bowden Collections
Jesus sits at the table surrounded by his disciples. Two bottles of Saki with accompanying glasses along with several small loaves of bread await the moment that Chist will tell them that ‘This is my body…This is my blood.”
Christ Carrying the Cross
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1994
Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). John 19:17
Resurrection Morning
Hand Colored stencil print on handmade washi paper
1975
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb…The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said…Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28: 1,5,6,9, 10
Mary Magdalene kneels in a pose of worship when she realizes that she has seen the Risen Christ. Jesus, dressed in a long kimono, holds a flag of victory that has come to represent the Resurrection.
19 - 22
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1987 Noah’s Ark
1992 The Crucifiction
1993 Mary Washes Jesus' Feet
2004 Angel Appears to the Shepherds
2006 Jesus Washes Peter's Feet
Christmas Card:
Celebrating
Christmas Card:
Swaddling the Infant Jesus
Christmas Card:
The Magi Offering their Gifts
Christmas Card:
The Magi Offer Their Gifts
Christmas Card:
Manger Scene
Christmas Card:
Mary Holding the Infant Jesus
Christmas Card:
Shepherds Visiting the Stable
Shepherds Adore the Christ Child
Christmas Card:
Son of God
Christmas Card:
Christmas, Son of God
15 - 15
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Exhibitions
2025
Biedenharn Museum
2006 Riverside Dr Monroe LA 71201
Contact: Ralph Calhoun director@bmuseum.org
2024
September 20 to October 30, 2024
First Congregational Church
110 N 3rd St, River Falls, WI 54022
Contact: Rev. Stacy Johnson Myers, minister of Education
stacy@firstchurchrf.org (715) 425-2052
May 15 to August 30, 2024
St Christopher Episcopal Church
625 Main St, Chatham MA 02633
Contact: Bridgette Renaud
BRENAUD@stchristopherschatham.org
(508) 945-2832
February 1 to April 30, 2024
La Jolla Presbyterian Church
7715 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: (858) 454-0713
Contact: Karen Sangren karensangren@pointloma.org
May 1 to December 30, 2023
Highland Park Presbyterian Church
3821 University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 526-7457
Contact person: Lila Marshall lilatcmarshall@gmail.com
Sarah Good, sarah.good@hppres.org
January 15 to April 15, 2023
First Congregational Church
535 Forest Ave, Glen Elyn IL. 60137
Contact person: Deb Giampoli
debgiampoli@gmail.com
April 25 to October 25, 2023
Highland Park Presbyterian Church
3821 University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 526-7457
Contact person: Lila Marshall
April 1 to August 1, 2022
Orcas Island Community Church
176 Madrona St. PO Box 205
Eastsound, WA 98245
(360) 376-6422
Contact: Brian Moss, brian@orcaschurch.org
August 15 to December 30, 2022
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
Contact: Dr. Todd Lake, todd.lake@belmont.edu
615 460 6628
January 17 to March 3, 2022
Covenant College
14049 Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
Phone: (706) 820-1560
Contact Person: Elissa Weichbrodt
elissa.weichbrodt@covenant.edu
March 10 to August 30, 2021.
St Luke’s Anglican Church
50 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head, SC 29928
(843)785-4099
Sept 1 to February 28, 2021
All Saints Presbyterian Church
7808 Rialto Blvd. Austin, TX 78735
Sonya Menges 512-732-8383
smenges@allsaintsaustin.org
January 15, to April 15, 2020
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
2128 Barton Hills Drive
Austin, TX 78704
Contact: Fr Zac Koons
zac@stmarkdsaustin.org
November 8, 2019 to January 5, 2020
Price Tower Arts Center
510 South Dewey Ave
Bartlesville, OK 74003
918.336.4949 x113 pricetower.org
Curator: Deshane Atkins-Williams datkins@pricetower.org
January 15 to March 30, 2019
746 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48503
Ed Bradley (810) 234-8673
bradleyedwin@sbcglobal.net
April 10 to July 10, 2019
First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head
540 William Hilton Parkway
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843 681 3696
Contact person: Nancy Millette llettenancy@hotmail.com
October 25, 2018 – January 8, 2019
St. George’s Nashville
4715 Harding Rd, Nashville, TN 37205
Contact: Laura Zabaski, Laura.Zabaski@stgeorgesnashville.org
615-385-2150 x 242
June 30 to October 10
Wilshire Baptist Church
4316 Abrams Rd
Dallas TX 75214
Mark Wingfield, mwingfield@wilshirebc.org
October 1 to December 31, 2017
Theology and Ministry Library, Boston College
117 Lake Street, Brighton, MA 02135
Contact Esther Griswold, head librarian griswole@bc.edu
617-552-6540
March 15 to June 15, 2017
The Grantham BIC Church
421 Grantham Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Office (717) 766-0531
Geoff Isley: geoff@isleydesign.com
December 10, 2016 to March 10, 2017:
Church at Charlotte
2500 Carmel Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-364-5913
Contact: Carrie Givens
The show rents for $600 /month, with a minimum of 4 weeks per venue.
With the rental of two months the third month is free.
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